Can You Guess Your Way to the Jackpot?

Lottery Number Predictions

You don't have to go far on the Internet to find someone who claims they have figured out a way to predict lottery numbers. Before we march into work, resignation letter in one hand, champagne flute in the other, it's probably best to see if there is anything in these theories. We've cast our expert eye over some of the more prevalent lottery number prediction methods, and assessed just how valid they are.

We are going to let you know some of the most common lottery numbers chosen for various different lotteries. But a Warning! Sometimes trying to predict lottery numbers can actually cause you to win LESS! Read on to find out why.

Can You Predict the Lottery?

Well, can we? Brazilian mathematician Renato Gianella says so. He conducted extensive research on 20 lotteries, and applied a range of complicated mathematical equations and statistical analysis to each individual draw to see if lottery predictions are possible.

From that he concluded that some combinations are more likely than others and compiled his findings in a colour coordinated chart. Mr Gianella said, "(the) lottery should no longer be seen as a form of a gambling, but a true representation of the probabilistic theory and the Law of Large Numbers."

Sadly, this is not a workable lottery predictor, as the analysis only works when applied over a long period of time. So, despite Renato's best efforts, we still don't have a sure-fire way of getting those lottery number predictions for this week, but at least we have a tangible way of improving our odds in the long term…

The Best Numbers

Since 1994 a ticket with the numbers 03, 06, 13, 23, 27, and 49 has produced the most prize winning matches in the UK. Had you run with that bet every week you would now be £2 million (approx. $3.5 million AUD), or more, better off.

Considering its track record we can predict this lucky combo might keep up its habit of paying out. Sadly, the odds of that combo ever appearing again is just the same.

The same goes for the combination of numbers shown on the infographic below. Although those six numbers have appeared most often in six popular lotteries, that doesn't mean that they are any more likely to be drawn out next time around.

The Magic Touch

In 2009 Derren Brown hosted a live show in tandem with the UK lottery draw, where he announced to viewers that he was going to try and predict the outcome of that night's events. Brown correctly predicted 6 numbers, and in a relieved fashion, announced that it was the culmination of a year of hard work.

His explanation, which went down like a tonne of bricks, was that he quite simply asked 24 people to predict 6 numbers, then he added up the total for each one, divided it by 24 and voila, somehow that led him to predict the lottery…

The papers were littered with outraged mathematicians and statisticians who debunked Brown's explanation. The more popular suggestion was fancy camera tricks.

If Breaking the Magician's Code taught us anything, the magic is tricking the audience, not defying the laws of the universe.

$758 million

Overdue Numbers

"They have to come up eventually." The law of averages does indeed suggest that long overdue numbers must turn up at some point, after all their chances of tumbling out the machine are no different to any of the others.

Of course the flip side to this is that your carefully selected overdue number isno more likely to be drawn than any other, even if it hasn't been seen for a long time. It's human nature to believe otherwise, but the simple fact is that previous draws have no impact whatsoever on the one to follow.

Don't Buy What They're Selling

Any idle search for lottery info will result in a whole load of websites that claim they can predict the next draw, and all you have to do is pay $20 on their tell-all book!

Great! A $20 stake for a guaranteed million dollar pay off, sign me up. But wait a second… why are they flogging a book and not soaking up the sun on their luxury yacht?

Yes, it's a scam.

1,2,3,4,5,6

While we can't predict when 1,2,3,4,5,6 will be drawn, what we can predict his how little that ticket would payout! An estimated 10,000 people play those numbers a week, so a jackpot of $5 million would give each winner just $500.

If you're a serial 1,2,3,4,5,6 player maybe it's time to switch to Quickies.

Of course the only sure way to improve your chances of winning International jackpots is to bet! What are you waiting for? Buy your bets today!

Lottoland is a bookmaker, and not a lottery operator. You cannot purchase entries in any lottery via Lottoland. Lottoland allows you to bet on the outcome of lotteries from around the world. The website is operated by Lottoland. Lottoland has no relationship or affiliation with the operators of the lotteries. Bets do not contribute to the prize pool. Payouts are made in AUD, exchange rates apply.

* Divisions 1 to 3 for bets on the US Powerball and US MegaMillions are subjected to a 38% reduction, whilst Division 1 bets are paid out as 30 year annuity or discounted lump sum as per T&C’s. US Powerball is not connected to the Australian Powerball. Divisions 1 to 3 for bets on SuperEnalotto are subject to 12% reduction as per T&C's.

Lottery Number Predictions - Is it Possible to do Accurately? - Lottoland.com.au